New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism, and he is looking forward to his discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The prime minister is due to leave for Israel on on Wednesday on a two-day visit.

Before embarking, Modi said he was confident that his visit would further consolidate the "enduring bonds" between India and Israel, set new goals for the strategic partnership, and advance the countries' shared vision for a resilient, innovative, and prosperous future.

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Modi said the visit comes at the invitation of his "dear friend Prime Minister Netanyahu."

"I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management... defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties," he said in his departure statement.

The prime minister said the two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

During the visit, Modi will meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

"I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said.

Modi said he is looking forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora who have long been nurturing the India-Israel friendship.

 

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Pune (PTI): A delegation of Congress leaders on Tuesday met Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, a day after a party spokesperson was allegedly assaulted by right-wing activists, and demanded strict action.

On Monday, Pune Congress spokesperson Hanumant Pawar accused a TV debate participant, Tushar Damgude and his five aides of assaulting him outside a Marathi news channel's office in the Swargate area, following a dispute during the discussion.

Pawar alleged that Damgude threatened him by showing a revolver strapped to his waist.

Police have registered an FIR against Damgude and five others under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act.

During a meeting with the police commissioner, Congress leaders also cited the recent violent confrontation involving BJP and Congress workers outside the Congress Bhavan and urged the police chief to convene an all-party meeting to ensure such incidents don’t recur.

"We submitted a memorandum to the police commissioner and sought strict action against those involved in attacking Pawar. Instead of arresting Damgude and others, police let them off after serving a notice," said Congress leader Prashant Jagtap.

He alleged that the recent incident outside Congress Bhavan and the attack on Pawar reflect the BJP's "increasing high-handedness" in the city and the harassment of the opposition.

Meanwhile, Damgude told reporters that Pawar had used abusive language against him during a recent TV debate.

"Yesterday, after the debate, he used objectionable words. When I sought an explanation, he reiterated the same, which led to the incident," he said.

Damgude acknowledged that he possesses a licensed firearm but refuted Pawar's allegation that he threatened him with the weapon.